Spine, other musculoskeletal
What the FAA's documents say about spine, other musculoskeletal, in plain words, with the FAA's own words one press away.
- The table's row for active disease of bones and joints says that if it is due to arthritis, see the arthritis page.
- The table's row for the musculoskeletal effects of cerebral palsy says see the Cerebral Palsy Disposition Table, which has its own page.
- The table's row for the musculoskeletal effects of myasthenia gravis says see the Myasthenia Gravis Disposition Table, which has its own page.
- The FAA also publishes a disposition table for paraplegia, which has its own page.
Short version
The table has seven rows, all classes.
| Situation | What the examiner does | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Active disease of bones and jointsActive disease of bones and joints | Defers to the FAA | FAA review |
| Ankylosis, curvature, or other marked deformityAnkylosis, curvature, or other marked deformity of the spinal column | Defers to the FAA | FAA review |
| Intervertebral disc surgeryIntervertebral disc surgery | Examiner issues | Examiner can issue |
| Muscular dystrophy or myopathiesMusculoskeletal effects of muscular dystrophy or myopathies | Defers to the FAA | FAA review |
| Cerebral palsy or myasthenia gravisMusculoskeletal effects of cerebral palsy or myasthenia gravis | Defers to the FAA | FAA review |
| Other disturbances of musculoskeletal functionOther disturbances of musculoskeletal function, acquired or congenital | Defers to the FAA | FAA review |
| Symptomatic herniation of intervertebral discSymptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc | Defers to the FAA | FAA review |
Show the FAA's words: the FAA's table for Spine, other musculoskeletal
- Active disease of bones and joints · FAA review
Active disease of bones and joints, all classes. The row's own cell adds that if it is due to a specific condition, see that page, and if it is due to arthritis, see the arthritis page. The evaluation data is a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
Active disease of bones and joints … If due to a specific condition - see that page … If due to arthritis – see arthritis page … All … Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports … Requires FAA Decision
- Ankylosis, curvature, or other marked deformity · FAA review
Ankylosis, curvature, or other marked deformity of the spinal column sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties, all classes. The evaluation data is the same current status report. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
Ankylosis, curvature, or other marked deformity of the spinal column sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties … All … Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports … Requires FAA Decision
- Intervertebral disc surgery · Examiner can issue
Intervertebral disc surgery, all classes. Both of the row's other columns say see footnote 14. Footnote 14 says a history of intervertebral disc surgery is not disqualifying. If the applicant is asymptomatic, has completely recovered from surgery, is taking no medication, and has suffered no neurological deficit, the examiner should confirm these facts in a brief statement in Item 60, and may then issue any class of medical certificate, providing that the individual meets all the medical standards for that class.
Intervertebral Disc Surgery … All … See Footnote 14 … See Footnote 14 … 14 A history of intervertebral disc surgery is not disqualifying. If the applicant is asymptomatic, has completely recovered from surgery, is taking no medication, and has suffered no neurological deficit, the Examiner should confirm these facts in a brief statement in Item 60 . The Examiner may then issue any class of medical certificate, providing that the individual meets all the medical standards for that class.
- Muscular dystrophy or myopathies · FAA review
The musculoskeletal effects of muscular dystrophy or myopathies, all classes. The evaluation data is the same current status report. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
Musculoskeletal effects of: Muscular Dystrophy or Myopathies … All … Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports … Requires FAA Decision
- Cerebral palsy or myasthenia gravis · FAA review
The musculoskeletal effects of cerebral palsy or myasthenia gravis, all classes. The evaluation data says see the Cerebral Palsy Disposition Table and see the Myasthenia Gravis Disposition Table. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
Musculoskeletal effects of Cerebral Palsy or Myasthenia Gravis … All … See: Cerebral Palsy Disposition Table … See: Myasthenia Gravis Disposition Table … Requires FAA Decision
- Other disturbances of musculoskeletal function · FAA review
Other disturbances of musculoskeletal function, acquired or congenital, sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties or likely to progress to that degree, all classes. The evaluation data is the same current status report. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
Other disturbances of musculoskeletal function, acquired or congenital, sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties or likely to progress to that degree … All … Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports … Requires FAA Decision
- Symptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc · FAA review
Symptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc, all classes. The evaluation data is the same current status report. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
Symptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc … All … Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports … Requires FAA Decision
- A note on the table, 1
After the table, the page says the paraplegic whose paralysis is not the result of a progressive disease process is considered in much the same manner as an amputee, and that the examiner should defer issuance and may advise the applicant to request a Medical Flight Test.
The paraplegic whose paralysis is not the result of a progressive disease process is considered in much the same manner as an amputee. The Examiner should defer issuance and may advise the applicant to request a Medical Flight Test.
- A note on the table, 2
The page says other neuromuscular conditions are covered in more detail in Item 46.
Other neuromuscular conditions are covered in more detail in Item 46 .
The FAA pathways for spine, other musculoskeletal
- How this pathway works: Examiner can issueNo special pathwayIntervertebral disc surgery
- FAA reviewYour AME defers. The FAA decides.Active disease of bones and joints
Which one describes yours?
The FAA's table sorts it these ways. Choose yours to see its plan.
Your step-by-step plan
Step 1: The current status report
For the five rows that ask for it.A current status report.
To include
- Functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain)
- Medications with side effects
The same sentence also names
- All pertinent medical reports
Show the FAA's words: The current status report
Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports
FAA source: Spine, other musculoskeletal. FAA date 29 March 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 2: If the active disease is due to another condition
The row's own cell points to another page.The row says that if the active disease is due to a specific condition, see that page, and if it is due to arthritis, see the arthritis page.
Show the FAA's words: If the active disease is due to another condition
Active disease of bones and joints
If due to a specific condition - see that page
If due to arthritis – see arthritis page
FAA source: Spine, other musculoskeletal. FAA date 29 March 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 3: Paraplegia
The paragraph after the table.The page says the paraplegic whose paralysis is not the result of a progressive disease process is considered in much the same manner as an amputee.
Show the FAA's words: Paraplegia
The paraplegic whose paralysis is not the result of a progressive disease process is considered in much the same manner as an amputee. The Examiner should defer issuance and may advise the applicant to request a Medical Flight Test.
FAA source: Spine, other musculoskeletal. FAA date 29 March 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 4: See your AME
The evaluation data is a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.Exam day- The evaluation data is a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
Show the FAA's words: See your AME
Active disease of bones and joints
If due to a specific condition - see that page
If due to arthritis – see arthritis page
All
Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports
Requires FAA Decision
FAA source: Spine, other musculoskeletal. FAA date 29 March 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
What the examiner checks
It depends on which row of the FAA's table describes the case.
Active disease of bones and jointsDefers to the FAAFAA review
The evaluation data is a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
If the examiner defersAnkylosis, curvature, or other marked deformityDefers to the FAAFAA review
The evaluation data is the same current status report. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
If the examiner defersIntervertebral disc surgeryExaminer issuesExaminer can issue
Footnote 14 says a history of intervertebral disc surgery is not disqualifying. If the applicant is asymptomatic, has completely recovered from surgery, is taking no medication, and has suffered no neurological deficit, the examiner should confirm these facts in a brief statement in Item 60, and may then issue any class of medical certificate, providing that the individual meets all the medical standards for that class.
Muscular dystrophy or myopathiesDefers to the FAAFAA review
The evaluation data is the same current status report. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
If the examiner defersCerebral palsy or myasthenia gravisDefers to the FAAFAA review
The evaluation data says see the Cerebral Palsy Disposition Table and see the Myasthenia Gravis Disposition Table. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
If the examiner defersOther disturbances of musculoskeletal functionDefers to the FAAFAA review
The evaluation data is the same current status report. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
If the examiner defersSymptomatic herniation of intervertebral discDefers to the FAAFAA review
The evaluation data is the same current status report. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
If the examiner defers
Show the FAA's words: what the examiner does on each row
- Active disease of bones and joints · FAA review
Active disease of bones and joints, all classes. The row's own cell adds that if it is due to a specific condition, see that page, and if it is due to arthritis, see the arthritis page. The evaluation data is a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
Active disease of bones and joints … If due to a specific condition - see that page … If due to arthritis – see arthritis page … All … Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports … Requires FAA Decision
- Ankylosis, curvature, or other marked deformity · FAA review
Ankylosis, curvature, or other marked deformity of the spinal column sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties, all classes. The evaluation data is the same current status report. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
Ankylosis, curvature, or other marked deformity of the spinal column sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties … All … Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports … Requires FAA Decision
- Intervertebral disc surgery · Examiner can issue
Intervertebral disc surgery, all classes. Both of the row's other columns say see footnote 14. Footnote 14 says a history of intervertebral disc surgery is not disqualifying. If the applicant is asymptomatic, has completely recovered from surgery, is taking no medication, and has suffered no neurological deficit, the examiner should confirm these facts in a brief statement in Item 60, and may then issue any class of medical certificate, providing that the individual meets all the medical standards for that class.
Intervertebral Disc Surgery … All … See Footnote 14 … See Footnote 14 … 14 A history of intervertebral disc surgery is not disqualifying. If the applicant is asymptomatic, has completely recovered from surgery, is taking no medication, and has suffered no neurological deficit, the Examiner should confirm these facts in a brief statement in Item 60 . The Examiner may then issue any class of medical certificate, providing that the individual meets all the medical standards for that class.
- Muscular dystrophy or myopathies · FAA review
The musculoskeletal effects of muscular dystrophy or myopathies, all classes. The evaluation data is the same current status report. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
Musculoskeletal effects of: Muscular Dystrophy or Myopathies … All … Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports … Requires FAA Decision
- Cerebral palsy or myasthenia gravis · FAA review
The musculoskeletal effects of cerebral palsy or myasthenia gravis, all classes. The evaluation data says see the Cerebral Palsy Disposition Table and see the Myasthenia Gravis Disposition Table. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
Musculoskeletal effects of Cerebral Palsy or Myasthenia Gravis … All … See: Cerebral Palsy Disposition Table … See: Myasthenia Gravis Disposition Table … Requires FAA Decision
- Other disturbances of musculoskeletal function · FAA review
Other disturbances of musculoskeletal function, acquired or congenital, sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties or likely to progress to that degree, all classes. The evaluation data is the same current status report. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
Other disturbances of musculoskeletal function, acquired or congenital, sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties or likely to progress to that degree … All … Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports … Requires FAA Decision
- Symptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc · FAA review
Symptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc, all classes. The evaluation data is the same current status report. The disposition is Requires FAA Decision.
Symptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc … All … Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports … Requires FAA Decision
If the examiner defersFAA review
The table marks active disease of bones and joints Requires FAA Decision.
The table marks ankylosis, curvature, or other marked deformity of the spinal column sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties Requires FAA Decision.
The table marks the musculoskeletal effects of muscular dystrophy or myopathies Requires FAA Decision.
The table marks the musculoskeletal effects of cerebral palsy or myasthenia gravis Requires FAA Decision.
The table marks other disturbances of musculoskeletal function, acquired or congenital, sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties or likely to progress to that degree, Requires FAA Decision.
The table marks symptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc Requires FAA Decision.
For the paraplegic whose paralysis is not the result of a progressive disease process, the page says the examiner should defer issuance.
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1. On every row but intervertebral disc surgery and the cerebral palsy or myasthenia gravis row, a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports.
Show the FAA's words: if the examiner defers
When the examiner defers
- Reason 1
The table marks active disease of bones and joints Requires FAA Decision.
Active disease of bones and joints … Requires FAA Decision
- Reason 2
The table marks ankylosis, curvature, or other marked deformity of the spinal column sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties Requires FAA Decision.
Ankylosis, curvature, or other marked deformity of the spinal column sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties … Requires FAA Decision
- Reason 3
The table marks the musculoskeletal effects of muscular dystrophy or myopathies Requires FAA Decision.
Musculoskeletal effects of: Muscular Dystrophy or Myopathies … Requires FAA Decision
- Reason 4
The table marks the musculoskeletal effects of cerebral palsy or myasthenia gravis Requires FAA Decision.
Musculoskeletal effects of Cerebral Palsy or Myasthenia Gravis … Requires FAA Decision
- Reason 5
The table marks other disturbances of musculoskeletal function, acquired or congenital, sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties or likely to progress to that degree, Requires FAA Decision.
Other disturbances of musculoskeletal function, acquired or congenital, sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties or likely to progress to that degree … Requires FAA Decision
- Reason 6
The table marks symptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc Requires FAA Decision.
Symptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc … Requires FAA Decision
- Reason 7
For the paraplegic whose paralysis is not the result of a progressive disease process, the page says the examiner should defer issuance.
The paraplegic whose paralysis is not the result of a progressive disease process is considered in much the same manner as an amputee. The Examiner should defer issuance
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1
On every row but intervertebral disc surgery and the cerebral palsy or myasthenia gravis row, a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports.
Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports
Good to know
Points from the FAA's own documents that are easy to miss.
What a progress note must include
In most cases it should come from a visit with the treating physician no more than 90 days ago, and cover the history, medications with dosages and side effects, exam findings, test results, diagnosis, assessment and plan, prognosis and follow-up. The FAA's sheet says to make sure the physician adds the prognosis. A portal note or an After Visit Summary that does not meet these criteria is not enough, and neither is a simple "ok to fly" letter. The FAA's documents also call it a status report.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 1
your patient portal to print out “notes” or an “After Visit Summary (AVS).” … Patient Portal notes or an AVS that do not meet the criteria listed below for a detailed Clinical Progress Note are NOT sufficient for FAA purposes. … To be “current,” in MOST CASES, the detailed Clinical Progress Note should be from an evaluation in which you saw your treating physician no more than 90 days ago. … It Must include the following items: … A summary of the history of the condition, … Current medications, dosages, and side effects (if any); … Clinical exam findings; … Results of any testing performed; … Diagnosis; … Assessment and Plan; … Prognosis (This item may not be on a standard progress note, make sure your physician adds this information.); and … Follow-up … Please note: A letter stating, “Mr. Smith is ok to fly” (or any other simple note), is NOT a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note and is NOT acceptable. … You may also see this called a “current status report” or “status report” in current FAA Guidance. Any reference to a “status report” equals the criteria listed on this sheet.
The active disease row points elsewhere
The active disease row's own cell says that if it is due to a specific condition, see that page, and if it is due to arthritis, see the arthritis page. It does not say whether the row's status report and Requires FAA Decision still apply then.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 2
Active disease of bones and joints … If due to a specific condition - see that page … If due to arthritis – see arthritis page … All … Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports … Requires FAA Decision
Where all pertinent medical reports sit
The status report sentence ends with medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports. It can be read with the medical reports as part of the status report or as a second thing beside it, and the table does not say which.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 3
Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports
The footnote names four facts
The footnote on intervertebral disc surgery says what happens when the applicant is asymptomatic, has completely recovered from surgery, is taking no medication, and has suffered no neurological deficit. It does not say what happens otherwise. Symptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc is a row of its own, marked Requires FAA Decision.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 4
If the applicant is asymptomatic, has completely recovered from surgery, is taking no medication, and has suffered no neurological deficit, the Examiner should confirm these facts in a brief statement in Item 60 . … Symptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc … Requires FAA Decision
Other neuromuscular conditions are in Item 46
The page says other neuromuscular conditions are covered in more detail in Item 46.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 5
Other neuromuscular conditions are covered in more detail in Item 46 .
FAA sources
Every FAA document this page relies on, with the FAA's own date and the date Crosscheck last read it. The documents to print open at the FAA, so they are always the FAA's current ones.
This reports what the FAA has published. It is not medical advice, and it does not say how the FAA or an examiner will decide a case.